This dissertation investigates the structure of the noun phrase in Serbo-Croatian
(SC) and cross-linguistically and argues that DP is not universal.
Chapters 2 and 3 examine the relationship between the Binding Theory and
DP/NP. Chapter 2 explores Conditions B and C and argues that the most principled way
of accounting for a number of binding contrasts between English and SC is to assume
that the latter lacks DP. I propose a model which employs a predicate-based version of
Condition B, Condition C as defined in Lasnik (1989), and a competitive mechanism
which regulates the distribution of reflexives, pronouns, and R-expressions.
Chapter 3 discusses binding of reflexives. Two central proposals are: (i) phases
are crucially involved in determining the binding domain for anaphors; (ii) in addition to
CPs and vPs, DPs (but not NPs) qualify as phases. The analysis is situated within a
general approach to phases, in which CPs and DPs do not always count as phases. I show
that the proposed system deduces the generalization that reflexive possessives are
available only in languages which lack definiteness marking, or which encode it
postnominally, while they are systematically absent in languages with prenominal
(article-like) definiteness marking. I extend this approach to the clausal domain, arguing
that the lack of TP is the crucial reason why certain languages have subject anaphors. Chapter 4 addresses an argument for DP in SC based on an asymmetry in the
distribution of nouns and pronouns in constructions involving an intensifying adjective. I
argue that the facts in question not only do not challenge, but in fact support the lack of
DP in SC. I also show that in many cases overtly strong pronouns in focus positions are
in fact “camouflaged” clitics.
Chapter 5 proposes an analysis of SC long-form/definite adjectives which does
not require DP. Central to the analysis is the observation that the definite adjectival
declension diachronically consisted of an indefinite adjective and an anaphoric pronoun
declining in parallel. I also explain why Bulgarian and Macedonian, the only Slavic
languages with definite articles, are also the only Slavic languages lacking long-form
adjectives.